Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
		The joint symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may arise from an inflammation of the synovium, the tissue that lines the joints and releases a slippery fluid that lubricates and helps them to move freely. This occurs when the cells that comprise the immune system are activated and enter the synovium. Most doctors studying RA now believe that damage to bones begins during the first year or two that a person has the disease. This is one reason early diagnosis and treatment can be so important in the management of RA. The way people feel when they have RA can be very different from one person to another. In fact, the way an individual experiences the symptoms of the disease can also change day-by-day. When symptoms are generally mild with intermittent periods of worsening symptoms, patients are said to be experiencing "flares." During flares, many of the symptoms associated with RA are suddenly and dramatically aggravated. In contrast, other patients may be more likely to experience the disease as a steady, consistent progression of worsening symptoms as time passes. The symptoms of RA may include: Inflamed joints that are swollen and tender; may also be warm, red, painful, and difficult to move Generalized feelings of sickness, lethargy, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, and weight loss Anemia—a decrease in the number of red blood cells to levels below normal Rheumatoid nodules—lumps of inflamed tissue that form beneath the skin, often over bony areas exposed to a force of pressure, like the elbow (most commonly) or feet and fingers Pericarditis—an inflammation of the linings that surround the heart Pleuritis—an inflammation of the lining that surrounds the lung Inflammation of lung tissue itself Vasculitis—inflammation of the blood vessels that can cause further inflammation and tissue damage that affects the nerves, skin, or other organs Sicca syndrome (or Sjögren's syndrome)—dryness of the eyes and mouth due to inflammation of tear and salivary glands The symptoms of RA are used to distinguish its occurrence from that of other forms of arthritis. Presence of the rheumatoid factor and the type of joint damage are typically used to distinguish RA from other types of arthritis. To accurately diagnose RA, a complete medical history and rigorous physical examination need to be performed. Fortunately, there are many treatments being researched and introduced today that can supplement the tools that doctors and patients already have in their fight against RA.   RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS KINERET® AND RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS DIET & EXERCISE REIMBURSEMENT IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFETY INFORMATION
	Kineret® is a medicine that is used to reduce the pain and swelling associated with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis. Kineret® is a man-made protein that is similar to a naturally occurring protein called interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) found in the body. Kineret® is for use by patients eighteen years of age or older and for patients who have not responded to treatment with other agents called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or DMARDS. Kineret® can be used by itself or in combination with DMARDS. Kineret® should not be used with medicines called Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) blocking agents such as ENBREL® (etanercept), Humira™ (adalimumab), or Remicade® (infliximab). In clinical trials there was a risk of serious infections (2% in Kineret® patients vs. less than 1% in placebo patients). Kineret® should be discontinued if you develop an infection, however most often you can continue taking Kineret® after your infection resolves. You should not use Kineret® if you are taking TNF-blocking agents, such as etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab, unless your doctor has told you to do so. If you use Kineret® with etanercept, adalimumab, or infliximab you may increase your risk of getting a serious infection. Kineret® should not be used if you know you are hypersensitive to E coli-derived proteins, Kineret®, or any ingredient of the product. The most common side effect in clinical trials was a reaction at the site of injection, which was usually mild and characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. Biovitrum.com | Site Map © 2008 Biovitrum AB (publ). All rights reserved. This site is intended for U.S. audiences only.